Doing a lot with a little
The story of Praise Chapel is like the story of the widow who gave two mites and Jesus said, “…That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:” (Mark 12:43)
It’s a story to encourage those with only one talent.
Especially for those that know they’re not the super-stars. Mike and Donna Neville would never be considered anything but gifted, but they, like David were used to gather “all who were down on their luck came around–losers and vagrants and misfits of all sorts. David became their leader. There were about four hundred in all” (1Samuel 22:2).
It is a vision that the average pastor and Christian worker can not only see, but also achieve.
While the Christian world is spotlighting the mega and the super successful, this is a grassroots revival that is igniting those who are “not many mighty, not many noble.” (1 Corinthians 1:26)
It is a book of Acts revival that is multiplying, and stirring the hearts of hundreds of men and women to preach the gospel and pioneer new churches. Stirring those in average and small churches with a vision of what God can do through their lives and ministries if they link with others.
The story of Praise Chapel started in 1976. Growing from a handful of people, this chruch began to spread and multiply. The “Mother Church” as Maywood Praise Chapel is referred to, has moved locations many times. It is now located in Huntington Park, California where it is still a great church that’s spreading seeds of revival. As exciting as that is, it is only the tip of the iceberg. What Mike had was something that still exists after his death in the hearts of churches and people.
Praise Chapel is almost unnoticed by the mega-churches and large denominations.
It’s easy to pass by and say “that’s nice but…” There is a lot of Biblical precedent in this. Israel was seldom that impressive. Jesus himself was prophesied of as someone who, “shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.” (Mat 12:19-21)
Mike was someone God had to show you and link you with. It’s not something for everyone but for those that get it there is a power. In Genesis, God created in plants and animals the power to reproduce. (Gen 1:11-12) With Praise Chapel it was something in them that made it possible to multiply who they were..
Even today it’s rare to bring more than a couple thousand together at one place. And yet there is a seed in the hearts of pastors and churches that’s being planted all over the world.
to be continued . . . .Excerpts from book the, “REVIVAL” by Ron Simpkins